National Hockey League: Free agency begins, Maple Leafs looks for talent
As soon as the clock strikes 12, on the 1st of July, free agency begins for all of teams in the National Hockey League. As teams begin their single minded hunt for talent, Maple Leaf General Manager, Brian Burke intends to jump into the game and nab his trophies.
Burke said that the Maple Leafs would be actively searching even if the talent pool is shrinking. It’s not going to be easy for the Leafs as, one after the other, the top talents on offer sign with their own team. Teams are signing players for longer and longer contracts making the task of finding talented free agents increasingly daunting. Consider the fact that only one, the Russian Ilya Kovalchuk, of the top 30 scorers from last season has not already resigned or concluded the term of a previous contract. Burke has already made it clear that he does not want Kovalchuk.
Another 18 of the remaining top scorers have signed contracts until and beyond 2013-14. Kovalchuk too is reportedly seeking a 10-year contract. Options for the Maple Leafs are limited and nabbing choice picks in spite of the frenzied hunt might not work out for them.
On the cards is sought after defenseman, Dan Hamhuis. He has already been traded twice and he knows that he is viewed as a valuable player. Dan intends to test the free agency waters to carve out as sweet a deal for himself if he can. The Leafs would also be fighting off competition for Paul Martin and Sergei Gonchar. The need for Maple Leafs to acquire talent is particularly urgent after their last season ended for the Leafs on the grim note of the second worst record in NHL.
The 2010 draft gave the Maple Leafs little respite. Having given away number 2 and number 32 picks to the Bruins in a trade (which the Bruins used to pick overall number 2 Tyler Sequin), Maple Leaf were left without a first or a second round pick and their first of 6 picks would have to wait until 62nd overall. The only thing that worked for them was acquisition of Brad Ross. Burke traded 2008’s 30th overall with Chicago Blackhawks for 43rd overall pick in the draft. Burke was pleased with the pick because the Maple Leafs had rated the player to the first round in the draft. “We are happy there was some wonky picking in the first round”, Burke said.
As for the free agents Burke could get his hands on, he said, trying to reassure fans, that even now there are agents that Burke wants for the Maple Leafs. Burke added that free agency alone won’t give the team what it needs and in addition to the draft, trades would have to be made. Kaberle was to be Burke’s ace in the hole when he starts trading. However, during the draft he couldn’t get enough for Kaberle to go ahead with any trades. In a statement after the conclusion of the draft Burke made it clear that unless they got what they wanted for Kaberle, they would not be trading him. So far the Burke hasn’t been able to convince anyone that Kaberle is really worth what they are asking for him. That might begin to change in Burke’s favour as the list of available defenseman thins out.
The trade fans are hoping Burke could somehow get Marc Savard from the Boston Bruins. Burke won’t be the only one gunning for Savard. The Bruins have a strong centre and thus the trade for Savard might go ahead if Burke really pushes for it. Savard is no youngster and his salary demands would be a load on any team’s Salary cap. If Savard and Kaberle are to be traded at all, it won’t happen before Thursday anyway. Fans and players all anxiously wait.
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